AN AWARD-WINNING chef who has lost three members of his family to cancer is raising money to help beat the killer disease.

Craig Gallimore's father, mother and brother have all succumbed to the disease. He said: 'My brother died very recently so it's still a tender subject.

'I also lost my father seven years ago and my mum died in the last year - both had long-term illnesses and Macmillan Cancer Relief has been part of my life since then.'

Craig, 34, from Tarvin was even unfortunate enough to have his own health concerns when a suspected brain tumour turned out to be a minor stroke.

He said: 'It could have been a lot worse but I suppose in a way it was a wake up call. I've always wanted to do work for Macmillan but this has been my first real opportunity to do so.'

Macmillan provide physical and emotional support for people living with cancer.

Craig works as head chef at the Premier Portal Golf Club in Tarporley and is going to be part of the World's Biggest Coffee Morning which raised more than £5m for Macmillan last year.

The nationwide event on September 30 involves individuals and businesses all over Cheshire including Premier Portal.

Craig is planning to do more events next year, with themed evenings and an opportunity to watch a meal being prepared and then to enjoy it afterwards.

Craig has won the British seafood chef of the year award three years in a row and the Escoffier trophy in New York in 2000.

'The way I see it we have been given a talent and if we can make money for charity out of what we do, we should, especially as people are now more interested in what chefs do,' he said.

'It does take up a lot of my spare time but if I can give something back it makes my experience a bit more worthwhile.'

Shirley Williamson, fundraising manager for Macmillan, said: 'Craig is a truly remarkable young man. Despite everything he remains cheerful and positive about life and is willing to do whatever he can to help people living with cancer.

'Although he's not yet held his coffee morning, Craig is already planning his next fundraising event for Macmillan Cancer Relief, which will take place early in the New Year.

'One of the advantages of my job is that I get to meet people like Craig who restore your faith in human nature.' thomas.sieber@cheshirenews.co.uk

Contact point To register for the World's Biggest Coffee Morning telephone the appeal office at Leighton Hospital on 01270 273528 or the hotline on 0845 602 1246 or visit the website at www.macmillan. org.uk/coffee.